THE inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th president of the United States is being greeted with excitement and anticipation in Birmingham.

Bank sales manager Scott Campbell, aged 39, from Solihull, said of Mr Obama: “I think he will be a breath of fresh air.

“He is certainly coming in at an interesting time, but the first priority has to be the economy, both in the US and worldwide, and then Middle East issues.”

Aston University student Clara Hechei, aged 24, from Edgbaston, said: “I think he is going to bring changes, but people are expecting more from him because they have had such a bad time and this is such a major change. I feel there is more pressure on him because he is the first black President.”

Retired cleaner Lucina Caines, aged 69, from Aston, is also hopeful.

“I think he will be a good president and will look after the people. But he has got a big job ahead of him.”

Chris Lovett, aged 24, a personal trainer who lives in the city centre, said: “He is a lot different from George Bush, which is going to be a benefit. He has already won the country over, and the fact he is the first black president is great.”

But Teresa Eaton, a 42-year-old housewife, from Sutton Coldfield, has concerns.

“I don’t know if America is ready for a black president.

“I think there is still so much prejudice in the American south that it could lead to a lot of in-fighting and stop him being allowed to get on with his job.”